Ian Tan
Student Writer
Homecoming weekend has been one of Messiah’s greatest legacies. A significant portion of this nostalgia-inducing custom is the Homecoming Dance, a fancier version of most SAB dances, complete with themes, formal dress and elaborate decorations. SAB Dance Executive Jenny Woolley explains this year’s theme and details.
What is the theme for Homecoming Dance?
The Homecoming theme this year is retro black and white. I pulled some photos of past Homecomings from the archives, which will be used a lot in the decorations.
Why is the Homecoming Dance held on a Sunday instead of a Friday this year?
It was supposed to be on Friday the 27th, but due to a scheduling conflict, Sunday the 29th was the next best choice. This will not happen again.
What sort of work went into planning the dance?
I began planning and discussing with the Homecoming Chair in the summer. I thought it would be good to figure out the budget before I contacted catering and a professional photo booth, both of which are confirmed features by now. This year’s budget is smaller than last year, and I’m glad for that. I planned out the decorations as well.
What are you most satisfied with in regards to preparation for the dance?
The archive photos. It’ll be really cool for students to look at the history of Homecoming, and visualize what Homecoming is about—how it used to be celebrated. It’s all part of realizing that we are part of this well-aged tradition that will last even after we leave.
What do you hope attendees will take away from this dance?
I hope that the student body has fun, as is the goal behind every dance that SAB coordinates. But I also want them to think about what Homecoming and Messiah mean to them. It’s a blessing that we are allowed to dance on campus, unlike previous students at one point in Messiah’s history. Tradition is important and as we take part in it, we create tradition as well. This way, we benefit both the institution and ourselves.
Tickets for the Homecoming Dance are on sale now at the ticket office. The cost is five dollars for students and eight dollars for guests.